| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats |
| Best for Outside | PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence |
If your cat is getting into trouble or entering areas of the home where they are not supposed to go, a cat shock collar may be the solution you’re looking for. Cat shock collars can also be quite useful when training a cat, preventing them from acting aggressively towards other animals, stopping excessive meowing, or keeping indoor cats within the boundaries of a yard with an invisible fence.
Cat shock collar kits typically have two parts to them. One is the collar, which creates a beep, vibration, or electric shock via a microchip. The other piece in a set would be a remote control or transmitter, which sends an automatic or manual signal. The pre-set response in the collar is triggered when the collar, worn by the cat, crosses a boundary, or the owner manually triggers it. Most sets allow you to program the static shock level to a very low setting, just enough to get the attention of the pet.
Barrier ranges can be set within transmitters for broader ranges, such as keeping your cat within an imaginary fence on your property, to stopping a cat from using doggie-doors, to even discouraging them from going into certain rooms in the house or staying off counters. The collars can be utilized not only to discourage bad behavior, but also to reward good behavior.
Despite the name, cat shock collars don’t only use shocks to help cats learn that certain behaviors are undesirable. Many also use vibrations or sounds to signal cats to change their behavior. You’ll find that there are a variety of different types of cat shock collars on the market, including remote-controlled and water-resistant models. We’ve compiled the reviews below to help you find the right shock collar to help you with training your cat, keeping them indoors or within an invisible fence barrier, stopping them from meowing at all hours, preventing them from going through off-limit doorways, and more.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Includes Indoor Pet Barrier transmitter to keep your cat off of counters or other surfaces, or to set off-limits areas
- Adjustable collar makes a series of beeps, then gives an alarming, yet safe, static correction when the pet enters the boundary
- Boundary can be set to 6 feet radius or 12 feet in diameter
- Battery operated, requires 3 AA batteries (not included); receiver collar requires 2 3-Volt lithium batteries (included)
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Create a boundary that extends up to 3/4-acre yard (22-105 ft in all directions) from the location of the indoor transmitter
- Wireless boundary system takes just a few hours to set up
- Portable system can be brought camping, to vacation homes, or other travel destinations
- Adjustable, waterproof collar fits pets 5 lbs and up, with neck sizes 6-28 inches
- 5 adjustable correction levels to personalize your dog's needs, plus tone-only mode for training
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Impressive pheromone technology
- Clinically proven to reduce nervous behaviors
- Fits necks up to 15 inches around
- Pheromones are mixed with scents like chamomile and lavender
The Top Picks for the Best Cat Shock Collars: Ranked
#1 Best Overall: PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Pet Barrier
If you need to set barriers in your home to keep your cat away from certain spaces or doorways, off your counters, or away from furniture, the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Pet Barrier may be the right fit for you.
Each purchase includes one receiver collar and one indoor pet barrier for cats or dogs. Additional barriers can be purchased to keep cats away from more than one space in a home.
Once the device is set up, your cat will hear multiple beeps when they are getting close to the receiver before a shock is given which allows cats to avoid the shock once it starts to catch onto the process. A static correction that is safe, yet enough to startle the cat, will be sent following the beeps to help them learn to stay away from the off-limits area. You can customize the range of the barrier based on your needs and the layout of your space. The range can be set for up to a 12-foot diameter from the receiver. You can also move the transmitter around to train the cat to avoid a new location with ease.
The shock collar that comes with this pack is designed for use with cats who weigh at least five pounds. This collar is also compatible with other Pawz Away barriers, including the Pawz Away Outdoor Pet Barrier.
On the flip side, some owners found that the collar is a bit large and it may not be a good fit for many cats.
Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Pet Barrier
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This collar can be used to keep cats away from certain doorways, rooms, counters, and furniture. | Some customers found the collar to be large and therefore not suitable for smaller pets. |
| Each pack contains a shock collar and an indoor pet barrier. | It is not suitable for cats weighing less than five pounds. |
| This collar is compatible with other Pawz Away barriers. | |
| It emits multiple beeps as the cat gets closer to the barrier as a warning first. | |
| It is suitable for cats weighing more than five pounds. |
- Includes Indoor Pet Barrier transmitter to keep your cat off of counters or other surfaces, or to set off-limits areas
- Adjustable collar makes a series of beeps, then gives an alarming, yet safe, static correction when the pet enters the boundary
- Boundary can be set to 6 feet radius or 12 feet in diameter
- Battery operated, requires 3 AA batteries (not included); receiver collar requires 2 3-Volt lithium batteries (included)
2. Best for Outside: PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence
If you’re looking to keep an outdoor cat safely in your yard then try the PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence.
Unlike other invisible fences, you won’t need to bury wire to create the wireless barrier for this system. Simply place the stakes in the ground to get it all set up in just one or two hours. You can use the included materials to set up a circular boundary to cover up to 3/4 of an acre.
There are five different levels of static correction you can choose from based on your cat’s size and personality. You can also choose to use the tone-only mode, which will simply deliver sounds, not shocks, to alert your cat that they are approaching the boundary line.
A waterproof receiver collar designed to fit cats who weigh at least five pounds is included with the set. It can be adjusted to fit neck circumferences between six and 28 inches. The collar is battery-powered, and the battery should last between one and two months before needing to be replaced.
This set is great if you have multiple cats, as you can add more than one collar to the programming with ease. It is also compatible with other PetSafe products.
However, a negative is that the transponder makes the collar pretty heavy which can be uncomfortable for many cats to wear. Also, some customers found that the set up can be a little tricky and time-consuming.
Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This system creates a wireless barrier for your pets of up to 3/4 of an acre. | The transponder makes the collar heavy which can be uncomfortable for pets if left on for long periods of time. |
| It has five different settings which can be selected based on the size and personality of the cat. | Some customers found the set up to be difficult. |
| It includes a sound only mode which does not deliver a shock. | It is not suitable for cats weighing less than five pounds. |
| It is suitable for cats weighing more than five pounds. | |
| It is compatible with other PetSafe products. |
- Create a boundary that extends up to 3/4-acre yard (22-105 ft in all directions) from the location of the indoor transmitter
- Wireless boundary system takes just a few hours to set up
- Portable system can be brought camping, to vacation homes, or other travel destinations
- Adjustable, waterproof collar fits pets 5 lbs and up, with neck sizes 6-28 inches
- 5 adjustable correction levels to personalize your dog's needs, plus tone-only mode for training
3. Best for Meowing: Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats
If your cat is meowing, scratching, or marking excessively, it may be caused by stress, so rather than trying a shock collar, consider trying the Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar.
This collar works by gradually releasing pheromones designed to calm cats and reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviors. It is clinically proven to reduce nervous behavior and uses calming scents such as chamomile and lavender. This collar can be purchased in a one or three pack and each collar last for 30 days. It is also adjustable and fits neck sizes up to 15 inches.
Unfortunately, this collar doesn’t have a breakaway design. Some customers noted that their cats got their jaw caught under the collar and suffered injury or even death. We’d recommend doing what some others have recommended and cutting the collar apart to connect it to a breakaway cat collar that will be safer for your feline friend to wear.
Pros and Cons of the Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This collar works by releasing calming pheromones. | This collar doesn’t have a breakaway design. |
| It uses calming lavender and chamomile scents. | |
| Each collar lasts for 30 days. | |
| It fits cats with a neck size of up to 15 inches. |
- Impressive pheromone technology
- Clinically proven to reduce nervous behaviors
- Fits necks up to 15 inches around
- Pheromones are mixed with scents like chamomile and lavender
The Different Types of Cat Shock Collars: Pros and Cons Compared
There are two main types of cat shock collars you’ll find: obedience collars and containment collars. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each option below.
Obedience Collars
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Owners can deliver a shock or warning when their cat is engaging in an undesirable behavior to stop the behavior. | Some vets and trainers do not like shock collars. |
| Some cats respond well to the collars and quickly learn which behaviors are unacceptable. | Some cats may become stressed, anxious, or confused when they receive a shock. |
| Many models are water-resistant. | You will need to remember to keep the collar charged. |
Containment Collars
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can help cats learn to stay within a yard using an invisible fence or other barriers. | Some vets and trainers do not like invisible fences and shock collars. |
| Indoor options are available to teach cats to stay away from doorways or other interior barriers. | Some cats may become stressed, anxious, or confused when they receive a shock. |
| Collar will give cats a warning when they are approaching the boundary by beeping or making another sound. | You will need to remember to keep the collar charged. |
| The shock will automatically be sent when the cat crosses boundaries. | |
| Owners can adjust the intensity of the shock based on the cat’s needs. |
The Best Cat Shock Collars: Summary
Cat shock collars are an effective way to prevent your pets from wandering off outside or even to stop them from entering certain rooms in your house. There are several different collars available and they works in different ways. It is important to carefully consider the needs of your pet and even their nature before using a shock collar. It is also important to still make sure that you using positive reinforcement and reward good behavior to encourage your cat to behave the way that you want it to.
Up Next…
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- Our Top Picks for Best Cat Muzzles: Reviewed for You — Keep your cat calm in stressful situations with these recommendations for the best cat muzzles.
- Our Top Choices for the 4 Best Cat Water Fountains — Cat water fountains can provide your cat a fresh, clean stream of water round the clock. Find out our top four recommendations.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats |
| Best for Outside | PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence |
The Best Cat Shock Collars FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the best cat shock collars?
The best cat shock collar will be one that is designed specifically for use with cats or small animals. Collars designed for use with large dogs will be too powerful for a cat and should not be used. You may also want to look for models that offer you the option to send a warning vibration or sound before delivering a full shock to your cat.
Do shock collars work on cats?
Cat shock collars can work on some cats, but since every animal is different the results you experience may vary. Most people that find success with shock collars use them as a tool for training or curtailing aggressive behaviors.
Do vets recommend shock collars?
Vets can have differing opinions on the use of shock collars. Most recommend trying positive reinforcement training methods first but may recommend a shock collar if it is safer than the alternative to not using the collar.
Will a shock collar stop a cat from meowing?
Shock collars may be useful for helping some cats stop meowing. However, for many cats using a shock collar can cause them stress, leave them feeling confused, or make them engage in undesirable behaviors.
Are shock collars cruel?
If used incorrectly, shock collars can be cruel. The best option is to try to change your cat’s behaviors using positive reinforcement training methods and only resort to using the collar if other approaches and suggestions from your veterinarian aren’t successful.
How does a cat shock collar work?
Cat shock collars allow owners to send an electric shock to their cat. They have prongs that make contact with the cat’s skin, and when owners press a button the remote, their cat will be given a shock. Many shock collars also offer the option to send a vibration or a beeping sound as a warning or an alternative before sending an actual shock.
Where can I buy a cat shock collar?
Cat shock collars may be available for purchase from a local pet store, but the best place to buy one is probably through an online retailer, such as Amazon. This will provide you with a larger selection to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
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